🏡 Golden Gate Realty and Finance Inc (NMLS 2776762) · Mortgage & Real Estate

Conventional vs Non-QM Loans

Whether you’re a W-2 homebuyer or a self-employed investor, we help you choose the right path — from standard Conventional / FHA / VA / USDA loans to flexible Non-QM programs built for modern borrowers.

Approvals in as little as 1 business day*
🚀 Closings in as little as ~2 weeks* with a complete file
📦 Purchases · Refinances · Cash-out · Investment

Which Loan Path Fits You Best?

The main difference between Conventional (QM) and Non-QM loans is how income and risk are evaluated — not how serious you are about buying a home or growing your portfolio.

Conventional / FHA / VA / USDA Standard & QM Loans

  • Ideal for W-2 employees, salary or hourly income, strong credit.
  • Uses traditional underwriting: tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, standard DTI ratios.
  • Best for primary homes, many second homes, and some investment properties.
  • Often lower interest rates when you fully qualify under standard guidelines.
  • Government-backed options (FHA, VA, USDA) with flexible down payment and benefits.
✅ Best if your tax returns fully show your income ✅ Looking for traditional, mainstream financing

Non-QM Loan Programs Alternative Documentation

  • Designed for self-employed, business owners, investors, and complex income situations.
  • Qualify using bank statements, P&L, 1099s, assets, or property cash flow.
  • Focuses more on your ability to repay than on “perfect” tax returns.
  • Great for investors using DSCR (Debt-Service Coverage Ratio) or Airbnb/STR income.
  • Flexible structures for mixed-use and multi-family properties (up to 10 units).
💼 Self-employed or 1099 income 🏘️ Investors & landlords 📈 High write-offs on tax returns

Non-QM Programs We Offer

When a traditional Conventional loan says “no,” a Non-QM program may still say “yes” — with smart, responsible, common-sense underwriting.

🏦 Bank Statement Loans (12 / 24 months)
📊 P&L Only
📑 1099 Income
💰 Asset Depletion / Asset-Based
🏢 DSCR & No-Ratio DSCR
🛫 Airbnb / STR Qualification
🏗️ Mixed-Use & Multi-Family (up to 10 units)

Ready to explore Non-QM options? Tell us about your scenario and goals — we’ll match you with the most suitable program and structure your loan for long-term success.

Start Non-QM Scenario

Fast, Transparent Timelines

We combine experienced underwriting partners with streamlined technology to move quickly — without losing the personal, one-on-one guidance you expect from a trusted advisor.

Conventional / FHA / VA / USDA

With a complete file, many borrowers can receive a conditional approval in as little as 1 business day*, and close in around 2 weeks*, depending on appraisal, title, and third-party items.

Non-QM & Investor Loans

Non-QM files can also move quickly when documents are ready. We help you organize income, assets, and property documents up front so underwriting can focus on what matters: your ability to repay.

Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification

A full 1003 application plus documents allows us to issue a strong pre-approval letter, giving you more confidence with sellers and agents than a simple “pre-qual” conversation.

Step 1: Complete your full application / 1003 form online for Conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loans — then upload your docs. We’ll review everything and reach out with next steps.

Complete 1003 Application

Not Sure Which Route Makes Sense?

Many clients qualify for both Conventional and Non-QM programs. The smart move is to compare options side by side: interest rate, cash flow, tax strategy, and long-term goals.

Choose Conventional / FHA / VA / USDA when…
  • You have stable W-2 or easily documented income.
  • You want the most traditional, mainstream loan structure.
  • You prefer potentially lower rates and standard guidelines.
Choose Non-QM when…
  • You’re self-employed, 1099, or a business owner with high write-offs.
  • You want to qualify based on cash flow, bank statements, or assets.
  • You’re building a portfolio with DSCR or Airbnb/STR properties.
Our Role
  • Listen to your goals & constraints.
  • Run side-by-side options across Conventional and Non-QM.
  • Help you choose the path that supports your long-term plan.